BA/BS Degree in Chemistry - Forensic Option

Forensic chemistry is the application of chemistry to criminal investigation. This major is recommended for individuals who wish to pursue a career in criminal investigation, in the laboratory analysis of forensic evidence, or pursue graduate study in forensic science. This course of study would also develop the analytical skills required for careers in other areas of civil law such as environmental pollution, accident investigation and product liability. Due to the nature of forensic investigations, the forensic chemist requires a strong background in chemical analysis and must be able to effectively communicate the results of laboratory analyses in reports and in the courtroom. The curriculum is designed so that the major provides a strong theoretical and experimental background in chemistry as well as written and oral communication skills. This major may only be taken in conjunction with the Forensics minor designated for chemistry majors. The minor provides specialized training in forensics. Students in the program will benefit from experience gained via the required practicum.

B.A. Chemistry Degree Requirements:

Mathematics (Mth 252) Information Systems (CS 161) Completion of the third term of the second year of a foreign language course

B.S. Chemistry Degree Requirements:

Mathematics (Mth 251, 252) Information Systems (CS 161)

B.A. & B.S. Degrees:

6 credits in courses identified in the catalog as addressing multicultural, linguistic or ethnic diversity. The writing intensive courses Ch 350, Ch 407, Ch 461, and Ch 462. The sequence Ph 201, 202, 203 or 211, 212, 213 is to be completed as the LACC science requirement.

CHEMISTRY MAJOR- - FORENSIC OPTION

Course Number	Course Description	Credit Hours	Offering Frequency
CHEMISTRY CORE
Ch 221, 222, 223	General Chemistry	15	twice annually
Ch 312	Quantitative Analysis	4	annually
Ch 313	Instrumental Analysis	4	annually
Ch 334, 335, 336	Organic Chemistry	12	annually
Ch 340	Elementary Physical Chemistry	4	alternate years
Ch 350	Chemical Literature	1	annually
Ch 407	Seminar	1	annually
Ch 409	Practicum	1	annually
Ch 450, 451	Biochemistry	6	annually
Ch 461, 462	Experimental Chemistry	4	alternate years
Mth 243	Introduction to Probability and Statistics	4	annually
Wr 322	Technical Writing	4	annually
Com 327	Communication in the Legal Field	3	annually
LIMITED ELECTIVES (Choose one track of 8 or 10 hrs)
Bi 101, 102, 103	General Biology	5 each	annually
Bi 211, 212, 213	Principles of Biology	4 each	annually

FORENSICS MINOR (for Chemistry majors ^***)

Course Number	Course Description	Credit Hours	Offering Frequency
Ch 320	Introduction to Forensic Science	3	annually
Ch 420	Forensic Chemistry	4	alternate years
Ch 430, 431, 432	Applications of Forensic Science	6	annually
GS 161	Technical Photography	2	alternate years
CJ 213D	Introduction to Criminal Justice	4	annually
CJ 321	Principles of Forensic Investigation	4	annually
CJ 452	Criminal Procedures	4	annually

^***This minor may be taken by majors in other scientific disciplines providing they complete Ch 221-223, Ch 334-336 and Ch 313.

FORENSICS MINOR (for non-Chemistry majors ^****)

Course Number	Course Description	Credit Hours	Offering Frequency
Ch 104, 105, 106	Introductory Chemistry	12	annually
Ch 320	Introduction to Forensic Science	3	annually
Ch 430, 431, 432	Applications of Forensic Science	6	annually
CJ 321	Principles of Forensic Investigation	4	annually
CJ 452	Criminal Procedures	4	annually

^****It is suggested that students pursuing this minor take GS 106 and Bi 101 as part of their LACC science requirement. CH 104, 105, 106 may be applied to the LACC. In this case, an additional 12 hours of science elective approved by the minor advisor may be substituted. GS 161 is highly recommended as a general education elective.

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Direct suggestions, comments, and questions about this page to Arlene Courtney, courtna@wou.edu.